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| NOEMS Customers |
Los Alamos National Laboratory
(LANL)
Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE)
Epsilon was contracted by the LANSCE 1L Target Operations group to support the 1L Target restart efforts. The 1L Target operations facility is being classified as a nuclear facility for the first time after years of operations as a non-nuclear facility. The reclassification resulted in the need for much more stringent requirements in several areas. Epsilon support fell into four major categories:
- Unreviewed Safety Question (USQ) Program Support
- Conduct of Operations Support
- Training Program Support
- Readiness Assessment Support
In the USQ area, Epsilon developed a 1L target-specific USQ procedure that has since been fully approved by LANL and endorsed by the DOE Los Alamos Area Office. The Epsilon team also provided on-site training to all LANSCE key personnel on the new USQ process and procedure. In the Conduct of Operations area, the Epsilon team reviewed the existing program, identified weaknesses, and provided specific corrective actions and suggested timelines to implement a working Conduct of Operations program that would support the very aggressive restart schedule. Epsilon also reviewed other LANL Organization Conduct of Operations documents and identified those that could be easily modified to meet the needs of the 1L Target group. The Epsilon team then assisted where possible in the modifications. This significantly reduced the level of effort required to get the necessary programmatic documents in place. Epsilon also assisted in identifying the roles and responsibilities and the development of a position description for the newly created facility manager position.
In the Training Program Support area, Epsilon reviewed the existing technical training and qualification program and provided specific guidance in how to bring the program into compliance with DOE and LANL requirements. Epsilon also facilitated discussions between LANL and DOE Albuquerque Operations Office (DOE/AL) to clarify DOE expectations that would have to be met prior to DOE/AL authorization of start-up.
In the final area, Readiness Assessment (RA) support, Epsilon provided support to the LANSCE organization in preparing for the RA and also participated as part of the LANL team in the initial meetings with DOE RA Team. Epsilon used their extensive experience as Readiness Assessment Team members to ensure that the LANSCE 1L Target Operations Group had a clear understanding of the DOE teams expectations and as well as the overall RA procESS. Epsilon also made senior members of the staff available to assist in addressing any findings identified by DOE. The LANSCE 1L Target Operations group successfully completed the RA with only minor findings.
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